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Decentralized Renewable Hybrid Mini-Grids for Rural Communities: Culmination of the IREP Framework and Scale up to Urban Communities

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  • Blessing Ugwoke

    (Energy Center Lab, Department of Energy Politecnico di Torino, 10138 Torino, Italy
    Department of Materials Science & Engineering and Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA)

  • Adedoyin Adeleke

    (Department of Energy, Politecnico di Milano, 20156 Milano, Italy)

  • Stefano P. Corgnati

    (Energy Center Lab, Department of Energy Politecnico di Torino, 10138 Torino, Italy)

  • Joshua M. Pearce

    (Department of Materials Science & Engineering and Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
    Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering, School of Electrical Engineering, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland)

  • Pierluigi Leone

    (Energy Center Lab, Department of Energy Politecnico di Torino, 10138 Torino, Italy)

Abstract

The Integrated Rural Energy Planning (IREP) framework offers a unified road map for locating, planning and operating decentralized renewable hybrid off-grid energy systems for localized (rural) applications in low-income countries. This paper presents the culmination of the IREP framework and aims to illustrate the final step of the IREP framework for two communities in Nigeria. It is focused on two aspects. Firstly, the techno-economic modeling (investment and operation optimization) of a hybrid mini-grid system using HOMER Pro, a techno-economic evaluation tool; and evaluating the benefits of demand side management (DSM) based on energy efficiency on the overall system economics using a scenario-based approach. Secondly, the conceptualization of a sustainable business model using the business model canvas scheme to deliver measurable socio-economic impacts in these communities. The results provide valuable insights into rural electrification via renewable hybrid mini-grids powered primarily with solar photovoltaic technology. Transcending mere electricity access, electricity is provided for productive uses (considering disaggregated end-uses) by harnessing other dispatchable renewable energy resources such as waste biomass. Given high share of rural population in developing countries, these insights are applicable in these regions and further the realization of the United Nations’ goal of sustainable energy (SDG7) and sustainable cities and communities (SDG11).

Suggested Citation

  • Blessing Ugwoke & Adedoyin Adeleke & Stefano P. Corgnati & Joshua M. Pearce & Pierluigi Leone, 2020. "Decentralized Renewable Hybrid Mini-Grids for Rural Communities: Culmination of the IREP Framework and Scale up to Urban Communities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-26, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:18:p:7411-:d:411161
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    2. Jann Michael Weinand & Maximilian Hoffmann & Jan Gopfert & Tom Terlouw & Julian Schonau & Patrick Kuckertz & Russell McKenna & Leander Kotzur & Jochen Lin{ss}en & Detlef Stolten, 2022. "Global LCOEs of decentralized off-grid renewable energy systems," Papers 2212.12742, arXiv.org, revised Mar 2023.
    3. Ting Wang & Qiya Wang & Caiqing Zhang, 2021. "Research on the Optimal Operation of a Novel Renewable Multi-Energy Complementary System in Rural Areas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-16, February.
    4. Agbetuyi Ayoade Felix & Elizabeth Oses Amuta & Orovwode Hope Evwieroghene & Abdulkareem Ademola & Amoo Racheal & Agbetuyi Oluranti Adegoke, 2023. "Feasibility and Economic Assessment of a Hybrid Energy System for Bakori Area, Katsina in Nigeria," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 13(4), pages 16-21, July.

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